When Violet Hunter is offered a job as governess to a six year old boy by Jephro Ruscastle the job description sounds too good to be true, with an inflated salary and other advantages.
However, when Jephro insists that Violet cuts off her beautiful auburn hair as part of the bargain, Violet becomes alarmed and consults Sherlock Holmes. Holmes is worried about the girl, and decides to make some discreet enquiries down in Hampshire where Mr. Ruscastle's property, The Copper Beeches, is situated.